A man ran from a shop in the town after trying to pay for goods with a counterfeit £20.

Now PC Quentin Allen, Cleveleys' community beat manager, is concerned more dodgy notes may be in circulation.

PC Allen said: "We have only had one incident so far, but I'm urging shop staff to be on the lookout.

"These are counterfeits of the new £20 note.

"It hasn't been in circulation for very long so people are only just getting used to them.

"That makes spotting what is a very good fake even harder."

PC Allen was alerted to the fake currency on Friday last week when a man tried to spend one of the notes in a bakery store in the town centre.

He said: "The man wanted to pay for something of a very low value with a £20 note.

Suspicious

"Fortunately, the staff member had a special pen which can identify a fake.

"When she tested the note she was worried and said she would have to call the police.

"At that point the man turned and ran out of the door.

"It's obvious he knew what he was doing."

PC Allen is also worried about a woman spotted in the town acting suspiciously with large quantities of cash.

He said: "There is a woman in the town who has been pulling £20 notes from a large wad in her boots.

"That is certainly unusual and we are concerned she may also be involved."

PC Allen said traders in the town should take precautions to prevent fake currency falling into their hands.

He said: "All stores should have the special pens which can identify a fake.

"They cost virtually nothing but could end up saving someone a fortune."

Police are now hunting the man who ran from the store.

PC Allen said: "We do want to speak to him, to see how he is involved.

"The man was in his early 20s, with short, black hair.

"He was scruffy with no teeth and wore a black three quarter length anorak."

Anyone with information should contact police on (01524) 63333 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.